Joy

Today was hard for me.

My very close friend Anne’s mother passed away after a long battle with cancer. It was expected, it was prepared for, and it was peaceful. She had family surrounding her, and her dog at her feet. She went in her sleep, and was medicated so that the pain no longer touched her.

I honestly can’t think of a more lovely way to pass from this world to the next.

Her name was Joy.

She was diagnosed a year ago, and was given a few short months to live. So she fought. And fought hard. She went through cancer treatments and managed to bounce back for a whole year.

There were times that were bad, for her, for the family – and certainly the pressure was intense. Joy handled it with dignity and a little sass. Yes, she was difficult to take care of sometimes. I can’t imagine anyone facing their own mortality would be sunshine and roses every minute of the fight.

But as the year went on, she had moments. Moments that Anne was kind enough to share with me and her other friends. Special times with her husband, children and grandchildren that Joy would not have left behind, had she not had the courage to fight and try.

When Anne was here in September, she revealed that her mom “had a special place in her heart for us girls,” meaning the four friends who had gathered – in some ways to give Anne a weekend away from the tension and stress of saying goodbye to a parent.

Well, Joy, the feeling is mutual.

This article has 12 comments

  1. Amanda

    I am grateful to hear that her pain has ended, but I ache for those left grieving. You’ve shared your portion of the path beautifully and I feel privileged to have witnessed, even just through tweets and comments, this shared passage.

    Wishing healing in 2011.

  2. Sizzle

    My heart goes out to her and you. Sounds like Joy embodied her name.

  3. zipper

    My sympathies.

  4. Megan

    Lovely post Aimee. Please tell Anne and her family we are sorry for their loss.

  5. ExtraordinaryMommy

    What a beautiful and loving friend you are…. How blessed Joy must have felt to know you will be there for her daughter…. hugs to you, friend.

  6. zenrain

    Beautiful post. Sending love to you and your friend…

  7. Anne

    Oh wow… don’t know what to say Aimee. I love you and I’m glad you are in my life. I’m moved beyond words by this.

  8. Danielle

    Dear Anne,
    I am sorry for the pain you are feeling, my sincerest condolances to you and your family.

  9. mayberry

    I’m so sorry, Aimee and Anne.

  10. monstergirlee

    I guess when its time, this is the best way. My sympathies to Anne and her family, and to you too Aimee.
    Joy indeed, we could all use more Joy!

  11. Nat

    I’m sorry for your loss.

Comments are now closed.
Send this to a friend